Module PPP-2015:Behavioural Psychology

Module Facts

Run by School of Psychology

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser:
Dr Rebecca Sharp

Overall aims and purpose

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles and methods of applied behaviour analysis. Learning and behaviour change are examined through concepts such as reinforcement, antecedents, motivating operations, and stimulus control. We will discuss how people learn, why behaviour can be so hard to change, and what behavioural approaches can offer in improving the lives of clinical populations such as people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, dementia, and brain injury, as well as neuro-typical populations. We will discuss behaviour analytic approaches to language, as well as the importance of language in interacting with client groups and peers in behaviour analysis.

Course content

The list of topics to be covered by the module will include measurement and design in behavioural practice and research, the four-term contingency, basic and applied topics in behaviour analysis (e.g., the generalised matching law, behavioural economics, choice), behavioural skills training, assessment methods, behavioural approaches to language, and clinical interventions in behaviour analysis. In addition, students will be informed on the populations with whom behaviour analysts may work.

Students can expect feedback on their work in this module in the following ways: • Tutor feedback (written) through the feedback sheet and comments written on the Assignment • Tutor feedback (grade only) on the final exam answers • Open invite to meet with tutor to discuss on-going performance, assignment results, etc during office-drop-in times or pre-arranged meeting

In response to student feedback received in previous academic years, those elements of the module that received positive feedback will be maintained and those areas identified for possible improvement will be analysed over the summer in order to make appropriate changes for the next academic year.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Some basic understanding of behavioural principles but understanding incomplete. Weakness in linking theoretical concepts to real-world applications of behaviour analysis. Information used from lectures only with little evidence of any independent reading or study. Little critical analysis of material. Lacks integration of information from multiple sources or lecture topics, and arguments are weak and poorly supported. Poor structure and formatting of written work.

good

Understanding of behavioural principles is well demonstrated. Able to integrate some information from multiple sources, although limited original interpretations. Arguments are mostly well presented and coherent, with some critical analysis. Some demonstration of the ability to link theoretical concepts with real-world applications. No major errors in formatting.

excellent

Excellent understanding of behavioural principles and ability to integrate information from multiple sources. Able to critically analyse information, and effectively and creatively link theoretical knowledge to real-world applications of behaviour analysis. Arguments are coherent, articulate, and well structured. Formatting is correct and work well presented.

Learning outcomes

Describe behavioural terms and concepts in both every-day and technical language.

Assessment Methods

Assignment: Video games and schedules of reinforcement OR How to train your raptor

35

Final Exam

50

Quizzes

15

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Private study

80

Lecture

Weekly two-hour lecture

20

Transferable skills

Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media

Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy

Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software

Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance

Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information

Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.

Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.

Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.